Examines the demand for German in the East, the ways in which Germany is trying to meet it and the resulting controversy. Also examines the work of major language and cultural organizations in furthering the study of German in Eastern Europe and notes ramifications for German study in the United States. (37 references) (Author/CK)

Analyzes a language plan proposed by the Hong Kong government to promote Chinese as the medium of instruction in the education system. A brief history of the past language situation is provided, and an outline of the evolution of the proposed plan is highlighted. (31 references) (Author/VWL)

Presents a historic overview and analysis of the Sardinian language (actually a system of dialects), and defines diglossia and bilingualism. A discussion focuses on research conducted in two junior high schools to determine the differences in linguistic behavior in two contrasting situations (village and city) in regard to Sardinian and Italian.…

Five themes are addressed: the role of language planning/policy in marking world events; ethnic revitalization; continuing migration and mobility; differential perceptions of the role of the mother tongue in primary education; and the potential contributions of language planning to educational and national development. (Contains 16 references.)…

Discusses the theoretical aspects of ethnic contact and conflict in multilingual situations, the experiences of different categories of linguistic minorities in Europe, and the manner in which Belgium has handled language contact and conflict. Argues that the territorial solution adopted in Belgium can serve as a role model for language policy…

A member of the Toronto Board of Education argues that exposure to international languages in elementary school constitutes an important part of a forward-looking, up-to-date educational system. Maintains that the learning of a second or third language has positive social and economic benefits. (MDM)

The policy of Arabization is examined as an example of language planning used to pursue and maintain power. The Tunisian language situation is analyzed in terms of education, government administration, and media and general use. It is shown that promotion of Arabization is inconsistent but that bilingualism and biculturalism have been promoted.…

The historical struggle of African Americans, and around Black English Vernacular in particular, suggests that African Americans can be a significant force in the struggle for minority language rights. The African-American perspective on "English Only" is explored through a historical overview and a public-opinion survey of African…

It is noted that Belgium, particularly Flemish Belgium, is opposed to European unification because of the likelihood of even greater intrusion of foreign influence into the country, especially in Brussels, and an already common negative attitude toward the spread of English. (12 references)

This paper examines the tension between linguistic unification and language rights in Nigeria and assesses the nature, causes, and implications of the tension against the backgrounds of the country's history, political development, and language situation. (Contains 116 references.) (MDM)

Presents the first diagnosis of multilingualism in Mexico. The study examines the role scientific societies played in delineating the basis of language policy with the objective of constructing a national identity that embraced the Hispanic and Amerindian traditions as equally relevant. (31 references) (Author/CK)

Shows how both macro- and microsociolinguistic perspectives are necessary to explain national language management. Macrolevel language planning is motivated by tasks of national consolidation by the state, notably in Singapore's case tasks of socio-ethnic integration and economic development. Microlevel language management pertains to individuals'…

Although language policy in New Zealand is emerging piecemeal, without any clear central planning and without much of the data needed for sound policy development, political pressure from indigenous, community, and other language interest groups is interacting positively with government values and may still lead to a coherent national policy. (39…

Examines ongoing language reform work in Uzbekistan to see what principles and attitudes Uzbek language policy is based on and what impact it may have on the language situation in the country as a whole. (Author/JL)

Examines the linguistic situation in Kenya and the teaching of Kiswahili in Kenyan schools. While there is widespread support for the school program, there are major problems to be overcome, particularly in the areas of language attitudes, teacher training, and course materials. (Author/VWL)